I Need Help!!!

There is a plenty of information here and online to help you with your question, but we understand that sometimes things can be a little confusing. Why not give us a call and see if we can help? Call 01702 345373 and we’ll do our best.We publish a Support Services Directory which includes contact details for everything from appliance suppliers to builders. Click Here to view a copy (the Directory is at the back of the Newsletter).

Useful Numbers

POLICE/FIRE/AMBULANCE-EMERGENCY

999

POLICE - NON EMERGENCY

101

SOUTHEND DISTRICT

01702 431212

NHS EMERGENCY

111

SOUTHEND GENERAL HOSPITAL

01702 435555

GAS - NATIONAL GAS EMERGENCY

0800 111 999

ELECTRICITY - EMERGENCY

0800 783 8838

WATER (LEAK/FLOOD) ESSEX & SUFFOLK

0800 526 337

NEAREST PAYPOINT (PREPAYMENT)

0845 760 0633

MEDIVET 24 hour SOUTHEND

01702 526 666

CHEMISTS (OPEN SUNDAYS)

ASDA SHOEBURY

01702 382510

QUEENSWAY SOUTHEND

01702 612003

SAINSBURYS, LONDON ROAD

01702 338706

BOOTS, THE ROYALS

01702 467118

WAITROSE, EASTERN AVENUE

01702 618872

KALSANS, WESTCLIFF ON SEA

01702 347676

TESCO, PRINCE AVENUE

01702 272847

DERIX, LEIGH ON SEA

01702 715558

WillsHowever little money you have, it is a good idea to make a will to avoid legal complications after your death. You do not have to go to a solicitor to make a will, though if you are not used to legal matters, it is better not to make a will yourself. At any event you will need two witnesses who do not benefit from the terms of the will and one or more executors who will carry out your instructions as laid down in the will. The Consumers' Association publishes guides to writing wills and probate procedures. Enquire at your library. Useful Age UK factsheets: •no. 7 Making your will•no.22 Legal arrangements for managing financial affairs•no. 43 Obtaining and paying for legal advice.All available from freephone 0800 00 99 66 or go to www.ageuk.orgTen good reasons to make a will1) To ensure that your estate passes to the persons (beneficiaries) of your choice. If you do not make a Will, but instead die intestate, your estate will pass to beneficiaries pre-selected by Parliament. These ‘intestacy rules’ are unlikely to reflect your wishes.2) To avoid extra legal fees for a special Bond without which the Sheriff Court will not authorise your executors to act if you die intestate.3) To appoint executors of your choice to administer your estate. Again, if you do not make a Will your estate will be administered by executors pre-selected by Parliament, who may not the persons you would have chosen to act.4) To make appropriate provision for beneficiaries with special requirements. For example, if they are vulnerable or mentally incapable.5) To make appropriate provision for children if you wish to ensure that they do not receive your estate until an age greater than 16 years.6) To make provision for your spouse or partner to have the use of assets during their lifetime but so that upon their death those assets pass to others, for example children by a former marriage. This can avoid your children being excluded from your estate if your partner changes their Will after your death.7) To confer upon your executors all the powers that they need to deal properly with your estate, possibly in a way that is not automatically provided for by the law. For example, to invest sums for children in a flexible manner until they become entitled to your estate, or to continue to run your business after your death.8) To achieve inheritance tax (IHT) planning objectives. It is sometimes possible to create a trust within a Will which can help to mitigate potential IHT liability as well as to provide flexibility.9) To make ancillary arrangements, such as funeral directions, appointment of testamentary guardians for children under 16 years of age.10) To ensure that there is a written formal record of your wishes. This can avoid arguments between family members and others as to what provision you intended to make for them.If you have any queries regarding the issues referred to in this article please contact Chris Wallace in our Private Client Department.The link below is the latest information from Gov.UK.https://www.gov.uk/wills-probate-inheritance/overview

Transport

AGE Concern Voluntary Transport Service

AGE Concern Southend has a wonderful team of volunteer drivers who provide

transport for all medical appointments and to other locations/occasions such as

day centres, shopping, clubs and social events along with visiting loved ones in

homes or hospital.

There is no registration fee for our service, but a small mileage charge is made

direct to the driver.

If you would like to talk to us about our voluntary transport service, please call

Donation requested to cover driver's costs. Based at Southend General

Hospital. Seven days notice required. Telephone: 01702 385125

Access Anyone

Access Anyone Ltd. is a family run company that specialise in supplying

transport for both able bodied and disabled passengers, looked-after children

and children with special needs. They offer a bespoke transport service tailored

to passengers' special needs. Their objective is quite simple: to provide the

facility to go wherever you please regardless of personal mobility.

They are based in Essex and run a wheelchair minibus fleet, of more than 50

vehicles, are the perfect answer to your special needs transport requirements.

Their purpose built wheelchair accessible vehicles are capable of taking up to

eight seated passengers and/or up to five in wheelchairs in comfort, so whether

you need transport to take children to a special school, or elderly/disabled

passengers to a special clinic, a trip to a West End theatre, a day out, or simply

to be taken to or met at an airport for a trouble free start or end to your holiday,

they are confident that they can provide the right transport package for you.

Telephone: 01702 524584

Dial a ride

To use dial a ride you must:

•

Be a member of Dial a Ride

•

Live within Southend

•

Have difficulty using public transport because of disability or qualify under

one of the following criteria

o

Be in receipt of Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living

Allowance

o

Be registered blind

o

Be in receipt of Higher Rate Attendance Allowance (for women aged

over 60 and men aged over 65)

o

Be in receipt of Mobility Supplement of War Pension

Applying for a Dial a Ride Membership

Membership costs £12 and lasts for 12 months and we will contact you when it’s

time to renew your membership.

Telephone: 01702 212212

Support for Those Living with Dementia & Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer's Society, Southend Office, Suite 1 Royce House, 630- 634 London Road, Westcliff On Sea, Essex SS0 9HW. Telephone: 01702 345156/343121Web: www.alzheimers.org.ukAlzheimer's Society provdes a range of support services for people with dedmentia, their families and their carer's in your area. Please call us to access our services and support.•Our dementia Support Workers will give you expert practical advice and support to help you understand dementia, cope with the day-to-day challenges it brings, and prepare for the future. This includes helping you to access other support services, and build support networks within your community. Our aim is to help you feel supported, and maintain independence, choice and control over your life.•Advocacy workers who provide legal support.•Carer information and Support Programme. A series of workshops for people caring for a family member or friend with dementia.•Activity Groups- A variety of groups offering entertainment, games or reminiscence to help you keep doing the things you like in a freindly and supportive environment. 2 - 4pm Motivational Men's Group every Tuesday 2 - 4pm Memory Group 1st and 3rd Wednesday in the month 2 - 4pm Arts and Crafts every Thursday 2 - 4pm Singing for the brain first 4 Friday's in the month•Peer support•Support groups for people with dementia or carers and families•2pm 4pm the first Thursday's of the monthIf you would like more information about any of our services, please get in touch. We're here to help.• Dementia support at memory clinicsDementia Support Workers are located within every memory clinic within Southend and will provide information and support to people diagnosed with dementia and their families at the time of their diagnosis and will ensure that they have access to appropriate support and services to meet their needs.

Dementia Services

Are you worried about your memory?If you are having problems with your memory, or suffering from mood changes and confusion, please seek medical advice from your GP. Southend Borough Council are running some events within local libraries. Please contact Jo Dickinson, Strategy & Commissioning Manager for Mental Health & Dementia, Integrated Commissioning Team on 01702 534434 for further information.Southend Libraries - have quite a good selection of books on Dementia - all titles can be requested free of charge. Southend Borough Council - provide support to help you live as independently as possible and have a good quality of life. Support Services include:Residential Care, Day Centres, Hot Meals, Home Care, Occupational therapy, Wheelchairs and home equipment, Direct Payments - to allow you to arrange your own care, Personal alarm systems and other equipment to keep you safe at home and Help with housing - such as Sheltered housing. TEL: 01702 215008.

Sheltered Housing‘Age Concern Southend does not endorse the providers listed below and users of this website accept full responsibility together with any liability of losses that may arise as a result of their dealings with the provider.The Website user agrees that AGE Concern Southend shall not be held in any way responsible or liable for acts of omissions of the provider‘.Sheltered housing provides an option which gives independence, but a greater degree of independence and social contact than you may get in your own home. Southend Borough Council provides sheltered housing, but demand is high. Housing associations also offer rented property. Private retirement complexes offer similar facilities, but normally you have to buy the flat and service charges can be high.Rented:Southend Council Housing Dept. 01702 215534Housing Associations:Estuary Housing Association (throughout borough) 01702 614321General Advice:Elderly Accommodation Bureau 020 78201343Websites:www.housingcare.orga site for older people and all who provide housing care and support to them. www.Ageuk.org•Factsheet no. 2 Retirement housing for sale•Factsheet no.35 Rights for council and housing association tenantsKeep your pet with you – Pets in residential careIt is now possible to go into residential care, be it a care home or sheltered housing and have your pet with you. For further information, see www.scas.org.uk/petsforlife

Privacy & SecurityAGE Concern Southend on Sea does not collect or store any personal information about individuals who access this website. This website does not send or use cookies of any sort. This privacy policy does not cover any links with this site linking to other sites. AGE Concern Southend may use this data to keep us informed of services that may be of interest to you.AGE Concern Southend on Sea seeks to provide a secure environment and reliable IT system. However, you should be aware that there may be inherent risks associated with the transmission of information via the internet.AGE Concern Southend on Sea takes steps designed to minimise these risks wherever possible. AGE Concern Southend on Sea’s network is protected by Windows XP Firewall.AGE Concern Southend on Sea take further steps to ensure the security of personal information provided via its website. All information is stored in a password protected database.Data is not encrypted when transferred between your computers web browser and AGE Concern Southend on Sea’s computers. External sites that are linked to this AGE Concern Southend on Sea site are not under the control of AGE Concern Southend on Sea and you are advised to review their Privacy and Security Statement when visiting.

Places of WorshipFor a full list of Places of Worship in Southend Borough Council www.yell.comSt John The Baptist Churchwww.stjohnthebaptistsouthend.org.ukTrinity Methodist Church Westcliff www.trinity-westcliff.orgWe have a community centre operating at our church and offer a session called ‘Pop in’ once a fortnight on Mondays from 1-4pm. We serve low cost lunches, and have a range of activities such as scrabble, cards, bingo and quizzes. All our facilities are available, including a sports hall and computer suite.St Helen’s Catholic Church www.shwos.co.uk 27 Milton Road Westcliff. Tel 01702 342324. Friendship afternoons Monday 2pm. All welcomeSt Saviours Church Kings Road Westcliff www.stsaviourswestcliff.org.ukBreakfast clubs for men and women and Ladies Tea partiesSt Peter’s Hinguar Streetwww.southshoebury.orgWeekly coffee morning at 10am every Wednesday. On 4th Wednesday of the month they have a ploughman’s lunch at 12.15 - a good meal for £2.50 including coffee and desserts. There is a raffle and a stall selling inexpensive gifts.Friars Baptistwww.friarsbaptist.org.ukOver 50’s club, Friday 10.30 – 12.00. Social activities, speakers, coffee and cakes

Personal CarePaying for your Care and Personal AssistantsWe work with you to see what help you need and how much money you will get - this is your personal budget. We then agree a support plan with you about how you will spend that budget.Your Personal Budget is designed to give you choice and control over your social care support and the way it is provided.You can use your money to:•Get support from a personal assistant (you can even employ a relative in some circumstances, but not a relative you live with).•Go to work, college or a community group (for example - learning disability client group).•Buy something to help keep you healthy, safe and independent (for example, stand alone telecare equipment).•You can receive the money:•As a monthly Direct Payment. •You can choose someone to look after the money for you.•You can make some of the decisions about your support and other people can help with the money.•As a Direct Payment to a Trust - payments are made to a group of people who manage the money on your behalf. This group is called a Trust and would usually be a small group of reliable people of your choice like close friends and family members. •As a Council Managed Personal Budget – we can hold your budget and organise your support on your behalf.•Let’s see if it is working•After six weeks, we will meet up with you to see if your plan is working and that you are managing with your money and support.•You should have yearly meetings after that although you can ask for a meeting at any time.•You will have to send us invoices or receipts every quarter so that we can see that the direct payment or personal budget is being managed properly.There are a number of agencies in the local area who can provide a whole range of personal care. For information of care agencies in the area, click on the link belowwww.carehome.co.uk

LegalCommunity Legal ServiceIf you live in England or Wales and want free high-quality legal information to help you deal with you legal problems, the CLS can help. Find out if you qualify for legal aid. The CLS will give free legal information leaflets or legalhelp factsheets. Search for a high-quality local legal adviser or solicitor. Tel: 0845 345 4345. www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk

Ordinary Power of Attorney and Lasting Power of Attorney

While an older person is in good health, signing an Enduring Power of Attorneyform is worthwhile. They are available from a law solicitor and some high st. stationers. To help you decide which document is appropriate for your circumstances you should consider the following question:Do you need someone to act for you for a temporary period and while you are able to supervise their actions? If so then an Ordinary Power of Attorney is the appropriate document.If you want someone to be able to act for you when you lose capacity to make your own and when you can no longer supervise their actions, you should consider a Lasting Power of Attorney rather than an ordinary Power of Attorney. A free guide is available from The Public Guardianship Office 0845 330 2900.

Home Improvements

Age Concern Southend on Sea does not recommend or endorse the providers listed above and shall not be held responsible or liable for any losses, acts or omissions arising from the use of their services.The HandyVan Service - run by AGE UK aims to improve the quality of life and provide peace of mind to people in later life by making their homes more safe and secure. HandyVan offer a free service to those who meet the following criteria:•Applicants are 60 or over;•Your savings or assets (excluding your home) do not exceed £20,000.The HandyVan service provides four key elements:•SecurityWe fit door and window locks, door chains and mirrors, spy holes and door bars, We can also provide bogus caller advice.•SafetyAs well as fitting smoke alarms, cabon monoxide detectors and new light bulbs, our teams also provide fall prevention evaluations.In addition, they can give advice and do essential repairs, such as tacking down loose carpets and re-routing trailing electricity cables, to improve safety within your home.•Small repairsWe are also able to assist with a range of smaller tasks which include securing loose cupboard doors, repairing internal doors, installing shelves, hanging pictures and curtain rails. The repairs may be subject to assessment and materials are chargeable for this service. Please contact the HandyVan team on Telephone 0845 026 1055 to discuss your specific needs in greater detail.

Papworth Trust

is a registered charity who can help the elderly and disabled in a number of ways including home maintenance and modifications. For more information see www.papworthtrust.org.uk

Holidays

Sight loss.

Various holidays, day trips and activities are available for people with sight loss and their carers. Rambling and walking, group holidays, day trips and lots more. Tel 01702 342131. www.southendblindwelfare.org.ukEssex Disabled Peoples Association. Disabled Holidays Essex. Tel: 01245 253400. Helpline: 0870 8736333 Holiday Care Service is a charity which offers advice on holidays for older and disabled people, including details of accessibility, respite care and sources of funding. Publication sheets and Information sheets are available for UK and overseas destinations Tel 08451 249971 e-mail holiday.care@virgin.net www.holidaycare.org.uk Winged Fellowship Trust provides breaks for disabled people and their carers. Details from Ron Price, 11 Hobbleythick Lane, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 0RP. Tel 01702 339269 The National Benevolent Fund for the Aged provides holidays for those over 60 who are on a low income and have not had a holiday in the past three years. If you do not meet this criteria for a free holiday in the UK then you are still entitled to participate with a payment per person for a holiday. They can also provide holidays for disabled people. Tel 0207 828 0200 . The Assistance Travel Service Ltd, ATS House, 1 Tank Lane, Purfleet Essex RM19 1TA can arrange holidays for people with disabilities and their families. Tel 01708 863198 www.assistedholidays.comThe Friendship Association Helps people planning reunions with relatives in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand Tel: 01784 465511 www.friendship-associations.co.ukTravel Companions offers a travel companion matching service for people up to the age of 75. Send SAE for details Travel Companion, 12 Portland Place, Leamington Spa Warks CV32 5EU.British Nursing Association can provide nurses and carers to travel on holiday with a person in the UK and sometimes abroad. Tel: 01707 263544 www.bna.co.ukVitalise Essential Breaks is a charity that provides short breaks for disabled people and carers at accessible Centres The centres cater for adults with a variety of physical disabilites. www.vitalise.org.ukTourism For All is a national charity dedicated to standards of world class tourism which are welcoming to all, especially to older people and those with disabilities. www.tourismforall.org.ukNBFA HOLIDAYS FOR OLDER PEOPLE - www.nbfa.org.ukLocal coach companies offer package holidays in this country and abroad which take away a lot of the problems associated with using public transport. Among these companies are COOKS COACHES, tel: 01702 344702 www.cookscoaches.co.uk

Help for Local Animals

CATS PROTECTION SOUTHEND

Can you give a home to one of our rescued cats? They are fully health checked by our vets prior to rehoming. All we ask from you is a loving home and a donation to help us keep doing this work. Ring Rita on 01702 710630 or come to one of our Homing Days. Web: www.catsprotectionsouthend.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk It is very important that to reduce the number of unwanted KITTENS this year your CAT should be NEUTERED. Southend Cats Protection group can help you with this and there is an offer to subsidise the cost through Cats Protection Neutering service. (£20 malecat/£26 female) for people in the Southend area - SS0/SS1/SS2/SS3/SS4 and SS9.

HILLSIDE SHIRE HORSE SANCTUARY

Come and meet our rescued animals including all the heavy horses. For visits on open days see www.hillside.org.uk

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

Holistic Treatment for Horses and humans by qualified therapists See our website for further details www.remussanctuary.

CANINE PARTNERS

Do you have a disability? Do you love dogs? Your life could be made a lot easier with a fully trained dog to help with everyday tasks such as getting up in the morning, answering the phone and door, washing, shopping, getting dressed and many more.... Visit www.caninepartners.co.uk or call 01245 608355

PETS IN RESIDENTIAL CARE

It is now possible to go into Resiential Care, be it a Care Home or Sheltered Housing and have your pet with you. for further information see www.scas.org.uk/petsforlife

PARROT LOVERS

If you are interested or own a PARROT take a look at this - www.parrotzoo.co.uk . They have over a thousand parrots they tend to. They have a Sanctuary and a Zoo which you can visit. Also they have an online gift shop (PARROT THEMED).

RETIRED GREYHOUNDS AS PETS

These graceful animals make excellent pets and are very good with people at home, including children, and quickly return the affection and love given to them. They are very laid-back and make good companions. Homed responsibly, they can live with other pets including cats. Contrary to popular belief, they need very little exercise. 2 or 3 short walks a day is all that is required. Sleeping is their favourite pastime, closely followed by eating! For further information go to: www.rgoa.co.uk

LOST AND STRAY DOGS - SOUTHEND BOROUGH COUNCIL

Have a dog warden for lost and stray dogs, they have dogs that need a new home within seven days of being found, if you can help contact 01702 215811 or 215836.

Gardening

Allotments

How about having your own allotment? Well you can........ Wescliff Land Cultivation Society have allotments to rent Enjoy growing your own Fruit & Veg. Enjoy a great Community. Enjoy Good Health! www.wlcsallotments.org.uk

Fuel & Energy

Fuel and Energy

HOMEHEAT HELPLINE www.homeheathelpline.org.ukWe can advise you on benefits, grants for free home insulation, reduced tariffs and special payment options your energy supplier provides to help those struggling with their fuel bills. Our experts are always happy to help. To chat to one of our specially trained advisors call us for FREE on 0800 33 66 99. You can call yourself, on behalf of a relative, friend, patient, client or neighbour that you’re worried about. Nobody need go cold. So, please call us. The Home Heat Helpline is open 9am-8pm Monday to Friday and 10am-2pm on Saturdays — and it won’t cost you a penny to ring, it’s free. Comparative prices of gas and electricity from the major suppliers are obtainable from Ofgem www.ofgem.gov.uk. The site is updated every two months. Generally it is cheaper to pay by direct debit. www.energywatch.org provides free impartial information and advice to energy consumers having difficulty in resolving complaints directly with their energy supply companies. Helpline 8am - 8pm, Visits in person 9am - 5pm. Tel: 08459 060708To save doing the calculations, several sites will give you your 'best buy'. You should have your bills for the last year to hand. Calculate your total payments for gas and electricity. www.uswitch.com or www.unravelit.comSome suppliers are not shown on the Ofgem site. These include Powergen Energy Services better value gas and electricity. Plus a package of services, SAGA, freephone 08000 70 80 88, TXU Staywarm, a fixed-rate gas and electricity scheme for pensioners, freephone 0800 1 684 694.If you are of pensionable age, apply to join your supplier's Priority Service Register. This provides services such as a password scheme for meter reading, a free annual safety check and special controls. If you have problems with your gas or electricity supplier, contact Energywatch, Artillery House, Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RT. Tel 0845 9060 708, e-mail enquiry@energywatch.org.uk Web - www.energywatch.org.ukThe government has an energy efficiency scheme. For improving the energy efficiency of your house, and a benefits check (have your financial details to hand), contact freephone 0800 952 0600. The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme grants helpline is freephone 0800 952 1555. The Warm Front Grants Line may also be helpful: freephone 0800 952 1555 Energy Efficiency Advice Centre 0800 512 012.

Financial

Financial

Age Concern Southend on Sea CIO (ACSOS) does not endorse the providers listed on our website and users of this website accept full responsibility together with any liability of losses that may arise as a result of their dealings with the provider. The Website user agrees that ACSOS shall not be held in any way responsible of liable for acts or omissions of the provider.Your home is not just the place where you live. As property prices increase, some of the value of your home may be used to provide an income or a capital sum. Remember that if you unlock part of the value of your home, you may be excluding yourself from means-tested benefits. To discover whether you qualify for Minimum Income Guarantee, ring the freephone number 0800 028 11 11. Contact your local council to discover whether you are entitled to council/housing benefits (the number if you live in Southend is 01702 215290).The easiest way to release the value of your home is to move to a cheaper property. Disadvantages are the costs and upheaval of moving. You may also lose contact with friends. These problems apply particularly if you move to another town. Be sure to consider the availability of facilities such as shops, public transport, banks, library and clinic. Ask the local branch of Age Concern if you are in doubt. If you decide to stay where you are, there are three options:First, a simple legal document will transfer ownership of your home to a child, who can then pay you a monthly income. The advantage of this scheme is that the full value of your property will be passed to your heirs. Disadvantages are that they may incur Capital Gains Tax, the income may become problematic if you fall out with your children or if they run into financial difficulties, while the local authority may refuse to fund a place in a nursing home if you have given your home away. Second are reversion plans. A reversion company (usually a bank or insurance company) buys between 30 and 100% of your home, usually for a lump sum, at its present value. They reclaim this proportion of the proceeds when your home is eventually sold. Third are mortgage plans. A mortgage is taken out. Either the sum gained is used to buy an annuity, with interest being deducted from the monthly income, or income is rolled up and repaid with the amount of the loan when the property is finally sold. There should be safeguards so that the amount of interest cannot exceed the value of the property. Both the second and third options mean that the full value of your property cannot be passed on to your children. As the company has a legal interest in your home, you will have to keep the property well maintained and fully insured. This may take a considerable proportion of the money released. Members of SHIP (Safe Home Income Plans) have a voluntary code of practice as well as statutory regulation. These schemes need to be discussed fully with relatives. You should also seek legal advice and independent financial advice. You may be charged for this. Detailed advice is available in ‘Using Your Home As Capital’ by Cecil Hinton, published by Age uk. www.ageuk.co.uk It is also available for reference at Southend Central Library.

Domestic Abuse

DOMESTIC ABUSE SUPPORT SERVICES

Outreach Support Services provide services to a changing group of people who are experiencing or have experienced Domestic Violence. It offers vulnerable people support in order to keep themselves safe in their own homes rather than moving into a refuge, or other safe accomodation. For further details contact: tel: 0845 0177 668. www.saferplaces.co.uk IT'S NEVER TO LATE TO TALK ABOUT IT Is your partner, family member or loved one:•Controlling or stealing money•Constantly putting you down•Stopping you seeing people•Blaming you for everything•Treating you like a servant•Physically hurting you•Threatening you•Intimidating youIf you answered yes to any of the above you may be suffering domestic abuse.Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, any age, race, sexual orientation or gender, and take many forms such as emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological; AND IT NEEDS TO STOP!Safer Places are here to listen.If you think you're suffering abuse, or would like to know more CALL KATHY OR ZOEY FOR CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT AND ADVICE ON: 01702 618026

Day Care

Social Services

Southend Borough Council Social Services Department runs several day centres in the Borough. Access is available after a social services assessment, some of the day care centres can be taken on a personal payment basis, more details from Social Services. Telephone: 01702 215008 for more information.Private day care is also available. a list of approved private day care centres is available from Social Services. Telephone 01702 215008 for more information.

Dementia

Dementia Advocacy tel: 01702 340566.PEACEFUL PLACE DAY CENTREFor people with early onset dementia, supporting people under the age of 65 with dementia. They offer a free, confidential Advocacy Service to help with tasks such as form filling, help accessing services, representing you at meetings etc. It is not all about day care. Anyone who is affected by young onset dementia in the area may contact Peaceful Place by email, gillclarke@peacefulplace.co.uk or phone 07783 498605 web: www.peacefulplace.co.ukAddress:Peaceful Place Day Centre St Lukes PlaceDalys RoadRochfordEssex SS4 1RATel: 01702 546476EMAIL: enquiries@peacefulplace.co.ukPeaceful Place will be opening a 10 bed assisted living project that is built in Hockley which will be open next year.

CAREWATCH

a three star excellent service, providing social care and support to adults and older people, in their own homes throughout South East Essex. People that use our services and their families are at the centre of the care planning process ensuring that their needs and aspirations are met, in a manner that is in accordance with their wishes. Carewatch also have a specialised team of care workers, dedicated to a Dementia Suppport Programme, providing a flexible and responsive service, which may be in addition to an existing care plan, or as a stand alone service.Tel: 01702 557007 Web www.carewatchessex.co.uk

COUNCIL TAX

Telephone Preference Scheme

If you wish to stop receiving 'cold' calls from sales companies, contact the Telephone Preference Scheme, tel: 0845 070 0707 (calls charged at local rates). To stop or at least reduce junk mail, write for an application form to Mailing Preference Service, Department AM, Freepost 22, London W1E 7EZ.

Consumer advice

If you need to make a complaint about goods or services you've bought, contact the government funded consumer advice service Consumer Direct. www.direct.gov.uk . You can contact Southend Trading Standards Consumer Complaints, tel: 0845 040506 Do not buy goods at the door. If you have doorstep callers trying to sell you goods or services and you are suspicious of them, call the Doorstep Hotline, tel: 0845 60 444 66 (calls charged at local rates) If you have other problems with goods or services, contact SCAMBUSTER www.scambuster.orgThe Office of Fair Trading have produced a useful leaflet about SCAMS call Consumer Direct for advice on 0845 4040506. www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/scams

Who Can You Trust?

www.whocanyoutrust.org.uk is a local non-profit organisation aimed at the elderly helping to drive rogue traders out of Essex. To see what tricks, scams and fraud is happening around us visit the website. Contact them with any scams that you know of.

Southend Neighbourhood Watch

Please visit this informative website www.southendwatch.org.uk. We can all help each other by reducing opportunities from crime by deterring would be thieves and vandals.

Southend Lions Club

Appeal for Used specs (glasses) and Hearing AidsThe Southend Lions Club collect these items, pass them to Medico France, who process them for People in developing countries. Could you please bring these items into the Age Concern office - 134 Hamlet Court Road, where there is a Spec and Hearing Aids Collection Bin. More info: www.southendlions.org.uk

Message in a Bottle

The Message in a Bottle scheme is aimed at people on long-term medication and has already proved a great success in the UK. The "bottle" is a small plastic container, which is kept in the fridge and contains details of the person's next of kin, medical condition, allergies, medication and doctor. This information can be easily found in an emergency and acts as a simple but effective lifesaver. Inside each bottle there are two special stickers known to the emergency services. These are put up in the person's house, one on the outside of the fridge door, the other inside their front door, but they can be easily found in an emergency. The door sticker should be located where it cannot be seen from outside. The scheme is fully supported by the Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Service and the ambulance service. For further information contact Mick Holland on 01702 464199. Or Southend libraries.

Southend Blind Welfare Association

Join our new TenPin bowling club for the Blind:KURSAAL LANES, EASTERN ESPLANADE, SOUTHEND ON SEA. ALTERNATE THURSDAYS 2PM - £2 PER GAME Call 01702 342131 to book your place

Active Life

Fun and friendly exercise classes designed especially for the over 55’sTo find out more call 07740 626226 or contact www.activelife.uk.com

Club 50+

A social club for people over 50 offering a variety of activities in a warm, friendly environment conveniently located close to Southend High Street. Monday – Friday 9.30am-3.30pm1b Queens Road, Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 1LTPlease call 01702 346863

CelebrationsAnniversariesThe Queen sends messages for diamond (sixtieth), sixtififth and platinum (seventieth) wedding anniversaries and then every year thereafter. Her Majesty does not send a message for silver (25th), Ruby (40th) or golden (50th) wedding anniversaries.BirthdaysThe Queen sends messages for one hundredth and one hundred and fifth and then every year thereafter.An application form is required. To request a form, please write to Anniversaries Office, Buckingham Palace, London, SW1A 1AA or telephone 020 7930 4832. For further information go to www.royal.gov.uk

BereavementSadly, we all suffer from berevement, but as we get older we inevitably lose close friends and family. There are several advice and counselling services that may be able to assist:Cruse Bereavement CareAnyone can contact Cruse if they want to talk about themselves or someone they know who has been affected by death. Tel: 01702 213843 or 08701671677Compassionate FriendsJoan and Maurice Lacey Tel: 01255 426280National Association of Widows. Offers friendship, newsletters, contacts and events to rebuild and enhance your social life. To become involved please contact Office Administrator, National Association of Widows, 3rd Floor, 48 Queens Road, Coventry, CV1 3EH. Tel/fax: 0845 838 2261 Email: info@nawidows.org.uk SamaritansThe Samaritans aim to benefit society by improving people's emotional health in order to create a greater sense of well being as well as being a 24-hour source of support on the telephone, by email, by letter or face to face. www.samaritans.orgSamaritans, 154 York Road, Southend On Sea. Tel 08457 909090The Bereavement ServiceThis government service will enable you to inform the Deaprtment for Work & Pensions (DWP) just once to report a death and they will then alert all other DWP departments. They will also offer advice and assistance regarding entitlement to Bereavement Benefit or a Social Fund Funeral Payment. The Bereavement Service is linked to the Tell Us Once (TUO) service that captures death details and shares them with other local and central Government organisations. Tel: 0845 608 8684.The Olive Tree CentreThe Olive Tree Centre offers a professionally-trained counselling service offering help with a range of issues such as Bereavement, Trauma, Loss, Depression Loneliness and many others. Appointments are available from Monday to Saturday, 9am - 9pm - The Olive Tree Centre, Eastwood Baptist Church, Nobles Green Road, Eastwood, Leigh On Sea, Essex SS9 5PY Tel: 01702 524346. www.olivetreecentre.org.ukUseful books and leaflets:AGE UK have a number of advice leaflets regarding Bereavement, dealing with an Estate and arranging a funeral. Tel: 0800 169 6565.The DWP publishes a booklet, D49 “What to do after a death in England and Wales”, giving practical details of what you should do after a death. It is available from the Benefits Agency and registrars. Which? publish a useful book, “What to do when someone dies”. It is available from bookshops or most libraries.

BenefitsThere are many official benefits available to elderly people, including…•Attendance Allowance•Bereavement benefits•Carer's Allowance•Council tax support•Disability Living Allowance•Employment and Support Allowance•Health benefits•Help with urgent or one-off expenses•Housing benefits•Income support•Jobseeker's Allowance•Pension Credit•Personal Independence Payment•Public transport concessions•TV Licence concessions•Universal Credit •Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather PaymentYou may be entitled to one or more of these depending upon your personal circumstances.The Citizens Advice Bureau have an excellent website that goes into detail about each of the benefits. You will find it here:www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/older-people/benefits-for-older-people/Age UK also have a very helpful web page to help you through the benefits process. You can view it here: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/money-matters/claiming-benefits/If you need help identifying the benefits to which you may be entitled, or to claim any of them we’d be happy to help. Call us on 01702 345373

Advertise Your Business With UsRegistered Charity No 1160916134 Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 7LNTel: 01702 345373 www.acsos.co.ukAGE CONCERN SOUTHEND SUPPORT SERVICES DIRECTORY AGE Concern Southend on Sea CIO (ACSOS) is a local, stand-alone charity based in Hamlet Court Road - we are not affiliated to AGE UK or any other organisation. We provide services for the older people in the borough of Southend (60 yrs and above). We have a database of c.2,000 residents, which we have built up over the past ten years and which is constantly growing. Latest statistics suggest that the population of our older residents is set to increase by 14% over the next five years. In January 2015, we launched an annual AGE Concern Support Services Directory, with local businesses in mind. The directory was sent out to everybody on our database and is also available in our office and online, in all local libraries (hard copy and online), GP surgeries, council offices, hospital and clinics, clubs and day centres, care homes and sheltered/independent housing. It also accompanies any talk or surgery carried out by ACSOS.The annual cost is £80 for a quarter page advert and If you would like your business to be included in the next edition (due in January 2016), or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Miki or Lin at AGE Concern Southend on Sea CIO – 01702 345373 or email enquiry@acsos.co.uk.